There's
a quality to Sarah Ladd's writing that is restful to me, even with the
tumultuous circumstances of her characters. I so easily sink into the
story and am immersed in the setting. I loved seeing Annabelle take her
future in her own hands and sacrifice her comfortable lifestyle for her
freedom and peace. Owen is a hero that grows on you with his quiet
strength and I loved his connection to the forest and land. I enjoyed
Annabelle's uncle and aunt as stabilizing characters in her new and very
different life. There are elements of suspense as Annabelle is in
hiding from her brother and Owen is investigating the network of
poachers on the land he is responsible for. The pace steadily builds as
relationships deepen, secrets are uncovered, and the complex dynamics of
the lives of the characters are intertwined. Annabelle and Owen both
grow in their faith as they turn to God for comfort and guidance.
So Pure a Heart by Amber Lynn Perry
I've loved the Daughters in His Kingdom series, and this book is a
perfect addition as the memorable characters become involved in the
Revolutionary War and fight for liberty and independence. The tension
and suspense is seriously ramped up in this book since the two main
characters, Hannah and Joseph, are involved in espionage and the risks
are greater than ever. I absolutely loved the setting and era, and
reading this story made me want more- to find some real life accounts of
Patriots to study. The language the author uses for her characters and
narration reflects the era while still remaining easy to understand. I
believe that plays a large part in feeling transported to the time and
place of the story, and I felt an instant connection to the characters
and their strong emotions during such a turbulent time. The romantic
tension between Hannah and Joseph is off the hook and while their
bittersweet past brings plenty of angst, there are also moments and
scenes of sweetness and happiness from their relationship. I feel like
the message of patriotism and taking a stand for what we believe is more
pertinent than ever in our day, and I appreciate the profound thoughts
of the characters as they discover what the cause means to them and what
they are willing to risk for it.
Yesterday's Promise by Michele Paige Holmes
Wow. I was not prepared for how much I would love this book! All
the characters really come to life and practically jump off the page. I
was fully immersed the entire time I was reading and it was too hard to
put down. The introduction and the beginning of each chapter is told
from Collin's point of view, flashbacks to his youth and earliest
interactions with Katherine. The present day narrative is from
Katherine's perspective, and I really liked her personality and
determination. She doesn't remember her childhood experiences in
Scotland so we got to learn along with her the complex dynamics and
history between the different clans and the English. Despite the harsh
traveling circumstances she thrives in the beauty of her homeland, and
her relationship with Collin blossoms gradually and wonderfully. I loved
the give and take between them, the devotion and loyalty, and hesitant
feelings maturing into full romance. There are deep layers to Collin
that Katie seeks to uncover and know as she falls in love with him and
wants to support him and his burdens. There is an element of intrigue as
Katherine sorts out political loyalties and where her place is in all
the drama and hopes for the future. I am *so* looking forward to the
second book and seeing how she confronts her enemies and becomes a
leader in her clan.
Many Sparrows by Lori Benton
What an epic story! I was completely immersed in the time period and
setting with Clare as she fights for her son. It's definitely a
heartbreaking journey and the process of change she goes through is
profound. Jeremiah's support and patience is a Godsend to her, although
she doesn't always see him that way when he doesn't act as swiftly as
she'd like. The struggles and experiences portrayed seem unreal, but I
know that they are based on history and the realities that settlers and
natives faced. I appreciate the meticulous research of the author and I
feel like it really made the story come to life. The powerful themes of
waiting on God and trusting that He will work all things for our good
are strongly felt in the long journey Clare and her family are on.
The Keeper of Her Heart by Stacy Henrie
This book starts out mild and unassuming, then packs an emotional punch,
and wraps up with the happy ending you didn't think would happen. I
slowly fell in love with each of the characters and their strength
during times that become increasingly dangerous. Ada's devotion to Ned
and her ideal for a home full of love and laughter despite her
upbringing is wonderful and supports her during the trials she endures. I
especially liked seeing Ada's spiritual journey throughout the book as
her faith grew little by little with Ned and Minnie's examples. The
historical nuggets from wartime London were fascinating and really made
the story come to life in a special way. I can't fully comprehend what
the people went through during that time, but this book offers a glimpse
into the hardships and heartbreak, and also the hope and perseverance.
Of course I don't want to give away any spoilers, but I felt like the
middle part of the book is where I began to emotionally connect with Ada
and her little circle of family and friends, and I shed some tears at
several points in the story. It made the last part of the book that much
sweeter as God's promises are fulfilled and Ada's joy deepens with an
abundance of blessings. I loved the romance, the history, and the
emotion in this unforgettable story!
For Castle and Crown by Sian Ann Bessey
Sian Ann Bessey has quickly become one of my favorites, and once again I
was completely transported to medieval times and immersed in the story.
I loved the characters from the beginning and really felt for them with
the intense trials they endured with strength. It has a steady pace
with action interspersed and a climax that had me biting my nails!
Childhood friendship that blossoms into love is one of my favorite types
of romance, and I thoroughly enjoyed the sweet relationship between
Edmund and Pippa. There are powerful themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and
inner beauty that made the story deeper and more meaningful.
The Darkest Summer by Rebecca J. Greenwood
Loved it! The details of Cora and Adam, the duke, really made the
story for me, as well as their mutual yearning for unconditional and
affectionate love. Cora is passionate about horticulture and loves
plants and flowers, even trying to rescue the plants that are getting
waterlogged in Hyde Park and worrying over the wheat crop of England.
Adam is struggling with a lingering injury from Waterloo and the sorrow
and grief he has over losing his entire company of soldiers to the
violence there. The initial attraction they feel for each other is
unexpected and Adam's infatuation with Cora leads him to seek her out
and discover her true characteristics beyond the ballroom niceties.
Cora's
controlling mother is a complex character- at times seeming the villain
in her treatment of her daughter, but also had me curious if her
motivation was merely selfish or if she truly had deeper concern for her
daughter's future well-being. While the pace at the beginning of the
book is a bit slow, once Adam and Cora are off on their adventure the
plot really spices up and emotions are brought to the surface and forced
to be dealt with. Adam's closest servants that accompany them provide
humor and more depth as their loyalty and regard for him reveals his
true nature. A wonderful Regency novel with sweet romance and
excitement!
Ruth by H.B. Moore
Once again I was completely immersed in the setting and in the lives and
emotions of the characters! I absolutely loved how the author brought
the familiar Bible story to life with historical details that are shared
with authenticity. We meet Ruth and Boaz just before each of their
lives are about to change drastically and witness their grief and
transition as they adjust. I loved Ruth's relationship with Naomi and
the wisdom she learns from her. Ruth's loyalty and devotion to Naomi
speaks of her character and does not go unnoticed by Boaz. Their
relationship develops as Boaz protects Ruth and the various members of
their families urge them each to remarry. The emphasis on faithfulness
and virtue as desirable attributes in a wife and kindness and goodness
as desirable attributes in a husband was refreshing and made me admire
Boaz and Ruth for the choices they made. A wonderful Biblical novel that
made me appreciate the sacrifices and lives of these historical
individuals.
Did you make it to the end???
What are some of your favorites from 2017?
